Reviews

A REVIEW OF FOOD BABY

"It's an exceptional script that focuses on life, friendship and food. Keeton and Williams blend humor, heart, romance and drama into a fun theatrical outing. The lines are witty, and the music is engaging. The characters sound like people, with each one speaking in a distinct voice." -Dan Sherrier, The Herald Progress

"Devoid of Disney trademarks and elaborate special effects, Keeton and her team of savvy theatre artists have re-imagined The Little Mermaid story with an elegant simplicity, relying on classic theatrical devices that would make the ancient Greeks and Shakespeare proud." -Corbin Puryear, The Herald Progress

"It’s no small feat that the play takes Snow White, perhaps the most passive Disney princess, and crafts a compelling adventure yarn, with battles between superheroes and super-villains, a science-dabbling protagonist and even a raptor (well, Dack-tour) thrown in for good measure." -Sean CW Korsgaard, The Herald Progress

"As a means for giving something back to their small but lovingly-appreciated "ville," it is to the upstanding credit of all of these artists, volunteers, educators, charity organizers, and business proprietors that work to give Ashland its due notice, as well as exercising efforts towards improving the conditions of the public in various capacities. And Ms. Ricks and her compatriots at the Ashland Summer Theatre Festival can ably service that consideration, with the smiles of grateful children to complement said experience." - Broadway World

"Writer-director Louise Ricks presents her unique and multi-layered adaptation Hans Christian Anderson's THE LITTLE MATCH GIRL that is an endearing and ecumenical compliment to December's infectious season of numerous holidays." - Broadway World

"It was impressive how they managed to take a story as frightening as "The Monkey's Paw" and make it palatable to the kids and to distill "The Raven" into the essential parts and length that could be attended to by children." -Dennis and Katherine Kilgore, The Herald Progress

A REVIEW OF LITTLE WOMEN

"If you’ve never been to Ashland to see a Whistlestop production, you’re missing something special. Producer Louise Ricks is one of the most hardworking producers in the area, making the most out of the limited budget and resources she has. Best of all, she is dedicated to original children’s stories produced authentically before they were adapted by Hollywood." -Fred Kaufman, Gay RVA

"Director and playwright Louise Ricks brings to life Hans Christian Anderson's classic fairytale in a way that retains its darker, moralistic tone while still being a delight for younger children." - Inkqueery

"Ricks remembers having 'Little Women' read to her when she was 5 years old. “It had the first female characters I remember who weren’t princesses, who were real people I could imagine I could be,” she says." -David Timberline, Style Weekly

"One of the most rewarding parts about being involved in The Whistle Stop Theatre Company and its productions is hearing parents talk with their children about the stories performed on the theatre stage." -Meredith Rigsby, The Hanover Local

“I really tried to stay as true as I could to the book while condensing it and setting it at Christmas,” Ricks said. “I wanted to reinforce the scenes of family and charity, which I think are very important during the holidays.” -Natalie Miller, The Herald Progress

“'We’re trying to make it something that isn’t just about the theatre but about the town coming together and showing off how much fun you can have in one day in Ashland,' Ricks said". -Freddy Kaufman, Gay RVA